Billy J. Langley

Funeral services for Mr. Billy J. Langley will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Whitesand Baptist Church, with Reverend Ted Bowlin officiating, assisted by Reverend Jesse Holloway. Interment will follow in the Whitesand Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Langley, age 88, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord Friday morning, January 17, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his family. Saulters Moore has been entrusted with arrangements.

The Langley family will receive friends Saturday morning from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Whitesand Baptist Church. 

Mr. Langley will be carried to his final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers; they include Danny Gentry, Stephen Langley, Zach Harper, A J Gentry, Wesley Harper, Stephen Ladner, Eli Riley, and Zach Daley.

Billy J. Langley was born on October 22, 1936, in Lawrence County, MS, to Earnest W. and Ola Mae Cox Langley. His career took flight when, as a young man, his mother placed him on a bus heading to Houston, TX, to board his first riverboat. Never having been away from home, he embraced the challenges and experiences of life on the river, celebrating his 16th birthday aboard the vessel. Mr. Langley devoted many years to the Canal Barge Company before ultimately retiring with the Kirby Transportation Company. A highlight of his esteemed career was serving as the captain of Kirby's Yacht during the notable flotilla boat parade up the Arkansas River. This event marked the 25th anniversary of the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System, where he had the honor of hosting dignitaries, including Mrs. Sam Walton and the Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

His pride in maintaining a record of over 50 years without an accident on the river exemplifies the care and dedication he brought to his life’s work. In 1990, he was featured in a Clarion Ledger article "Life on the River," which encapsulated his deep connection to the waterways he loved.

Mr. Langley will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also as the glue that held his family together. His generous spirit and unwavering commitment to lending a helping hand to both family and friends alike left a significant impact on all who knew him. Mr. Langley also enjoyed hunting and fishing, but perhaps his most joyous moments were filled with laughter and song during karaoke nights at his sister and brother-in-law's "Karaoke Barn." These gatherings became a special tradition where love was abundant and special memories were created.

A former member of Prentiss Baptist Church, he served there as a deacon.  After retiring to the Whitesand Community, he became a member of Whitesand Baptist Church where he enjoyed being active and going on mission trips to Nicaragua, notably when he was 80 years old.  He carried these values with him into all aspects of his life. As a family man, friend, and iconic riverboat captain, Billy J. Langley leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and a commitment to bringing people together. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Langley is preceded in death by his parents, Earnest W. and Ola Mae Langley; his twin brothers, Gary and Cary Langley and a grandson, Paul Harper.

His memory will forever be cherished by his beloved wife of 57 years, Paulette Polk Langley of Prentiss; his sons, Billy J. Langley, II, of Hattiesburg, Clint W. Langley (Doreen) of Prentiss; 3 daughters, Tammy S. Vincent of Hattiesburg, Hope L. Harper (Wesley) of Petal, Charity L. Gentry (Danny) of Prentiss; 3 sisters, Wilma Lee Armstrong of Prentiss, Charlene Sanders of Silver Creek, Donna Polk of Prentiss and 2 brothers, Earnest Langley, Jr. and Travis Langley, both of Prentiss. Mr. Langley’s legacy will also live on through his grandchildren; they include Emily Harvell (Brandon), Erin Ladner (Stephen), Zach Harper (Ana), Anne Elise Daley (Zach), Bethany Riley (Eli), A.J. Gentry (Gaylan), Alex Vincent, Cameron Gentry, Stephen Langley (Micah) and his great-grandchildren, Jackson Corley, Adelynn Daley, Grayson Daley, Levi Ladner and Gracie Mae Langley. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Whitesand Baptist Church Mission Fund or The Gideons International.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com